SIR LESTER BIRD MOUNT ST. JOHN'S MEDICAL CENTRE

In recognition of World Hepatitis B Day (July 28), the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is reaffirming its commitment to the elimination of hepatitis B through its proactive birth dose vaccination program—a key pillar in Antigua and Barbuda’s public health efforts.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can lead to chronic disease, liver failure, and liver cancer. One of the most effective ways to prevent HBV transmission is by administering the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth—a critical window for protecting newborns, especially those at risk of mother-to-child transmission.

"At SLBMC, we routinely offer the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine to all newborns as part of our standard neonatal care," said Dr. Saleem Hughes, Chair of SLBMC’s Paediatric Department. "This simple yet powerful intervention can protect children from a lifetime of chronic illness."

From January to June 2025, 70% of babies born at SLBMC received the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth—a strong indicator of the hospital’s commitment to giving every child a healthy start in life.

SLBMC’s vaccination programme aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and supports global and regional strategies for the elimination of viral hepatitis. By integrating the hepatitis B birth dose into routine care, SLBMC is helping to:

• Prevent lifelong chronic hepatitis B infections

• Protect future generations from liver disease

• Strengthen national and global hepatitis elimination efforts

As the country’s only tertiary care hospital, SLBMC encourages all parents and caregivers to speak with their healthcare providers about the importance of early vaccination and routine immunization.

Together, we can eliminate hepatitis—one birth, one vaccine, one healthy future at a time.